Schoolboy taken to hospital after 'assault' in Largs

Police have confirmed that enquiries are ongoing following reports that the 14-year-old was "severely beaten" by a "fully grown man" near the town's Morrisons supermarket.

The injured youngster's family has claimed that the alleged attacker fractured the youth's eye socket in the assault on Monday - and an urgent plea has now been issued for locals to come forward with any information to help trace the perpetrator.

They said: "He was attacked and severely beaten by a fully grown man next to the train station, which included stamping on his head and face while he was on the ground.

"We've had a bit of a stay at hospital and a fractured eye socket but thankfully his vision is OK. It will take a long time for him to recover.

"He had his school bag on and is clearly a child.

"Please, everyone, keep your children safe from this animal. He was possibly in the Largs pubs on Monday before and after the incident at 7pm."

The alleged attacker is described as being five foot seven, and had a black puffer jacket.

Red spot shows scene of the incident on Monday evening in alley next to station (Image: Pic supplied)

The boy's mother told the News: "The Morrisons staff were so good. The security guard Neil walked back with him to help him find his phone."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 7.10pm on Monday, October 28, we received a report of an assault on a 14-year-old boy that happened near Irvine Road, Largs.

“The boy attended at hospital for treatment and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

If you can help the police in their enquiries, contact 101 or go to the Contact Us section on the Police Scotland website here.